TikTok is back online in the US after a whirlwind weekend that saw the app go dark following a federal ban. Hours after the shutdown, President-elect Donald Trump announced plans for an executive order delaying the ban to give TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, more time to find an approved buyer. By Sunday afternoon, the platform restored service, thanking users and Trump for their support.

In Africa, some countries have been debating measures to regulate TikTok. Kenya, for example, recently opted to require social media companies to establish physical offices rather than imposing a partial ban. This reflects a growing demand for greater accountability from global tech platforms. A US ban, however, could shift this dynamic. Kenya's push for local offices may gain urgency, with a potential ban emerging as a powerful enforcement tool if platforms like TikTok fail to comply.

As concerns about misinformation, data privacy, and content regulation grow, the US decision could set a precedent for how nations handle global tech giants. The African continent, with its diverse regulatory landscape, will be closely watching developments in the US and adapting its own strategies accordingly.

In other news, Nigeria has joined the BRICS bloc of developing economies as a "partner country," opening up avenues for deeper economic cooperation, increased trade opportunities, and access to BRICS-backed initiatives like the New Development Bank. This move aligns with BRICS' broader strategy to challenge the dollar's dominance in global oil and gas trading by promoting the use of alternative currencies.

Meanwhile, CMC Motors Group, one of East Africa's top vehicle distributors, is closing its doors in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania due to mounting operational costs, currency depreciation, and the loss of critical vehicle franchises. The company's shutdown will result in at least 200 job losses across East Africa.

In Egypt, the Central Bank has maintained interest rates despite inflation remaining well above target. The country's economy is in a tough spot, with non-food sectors and commodities like fuel driving price increases. The Central Bank's next policy meeting on February 25, 2025, will be key in managing these dynamics.

The Lagos Tech Fest is set to hold its fifth edition from February 19-20, 2025, gathering startups, innovators, investors, and government representatives to shape Nigeria's tech future. The event will feature conferences, exhibitions, networking, and driving ecosystem investments.

As the tech landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the intersection of technology, policy, and economy is becoming increasingly complex. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis from TechCabal.